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Best Places to Find Inspiration Offline

Posted on 25. Sep, 2009 by bmackler in Inspiration

In a previous post I mentioned how hard it can be to find the right inspiration for a project.  Sometimes you just stare at the Photoshop canvas, looking at the blank screen, hoping something will just pop into your head,  trying your hardest not to give up…but no matter how hard you try you can’t think of where to start.  You have already searched through all the best sites but it still isn’t clicking for you.  At this point you need to get up and walk away from your computer.  That is what I do.  When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.   And you have to be tough.  You need some external influence, some inspiration that isn’t found on the computer screen.  Remember, sometimes finding what you really don’t like is more valuable than things you do like.

Here is a list of my favorite places to find inspiration, of course in no particular order.

Bookstore

Usually the larger the better.  I generally check out Borders or Barnes and Noble.  They have several areas that really work wonders.  First though, get something to drink;  only then head over to the magazine section.  Its a goldmine for design inspiration.  My first stop is the shelf with the architectural magazines and design periodicals.  There are so many ideas in these magazines that can be used for inspiration you will have trouble choosing what you like best.  It is always important to see what other people are doing in fields related to yours.  Then check out the general interest magazines for page layout and ad ideas .  After you are finished there, make your way over to the web design books and take a look through what they have.

Magazine Rack

Go to the movies

The movie industry is generally on the cusp of “hip” and tries to have the pulse of  the next big thing.  That is where you want to be.  When you walk in to the theatre, make sure to stop and take a look at all the movie posters first.  Take note of what Photoshop effects are being used and what fonts they chose.  After you sit down, pay close attention during the credits and again take note of the typefaces and animation effects being used.  Usually the designers working on a movie have the most fun with trailers and opening and closing credits. There is alot to be learned at the movies from a design point of view.  Maybe you can even write it off as a tax deduction!

Movies

Go to the Classics

Art Gallery

I say a bus but it could also be in the passenger seat of car.  Not advisable to do this while you are in the drivers seat.  There is a ton of inspiration to be found on the streets of any moderate size city.  Be sure to keep a look out  for interesting signs, billboards, buildings, street signs and general posters/graphics along your way. If you can, bring a camera with you and snap pictures of your favorites.

Billboards

Album Art

Much time and effort is placed in the design and packaging of today’s music. Each artist and recording studio takes a lot of pride in having the edgiest and best designed album art.  Its not only about pushing boundaries, but also graphically expressing the passion of the music, not something to be underestimated.   I remember as a kid going to my uncles music store in Baltimore and marveling at all the styles and original designs in each genre of music.  He always had the coolest LP covers, the hippest CD jackets.  There is much inspiration to be found in this much overlooked art.

Album Art

Tags: Inspiration, Photoshop, web development, webdesign